‘Talking handrails’ offer a few words of comfort and support in Archway

Published: 1st July, 2011
by PETER GRUNER

“TALKING handrails” which blind people can read by touch will be unveiled at a “meet the residents” street party in Archway on Sunday.

The five-foot rails,  created by Archway-based Byam Shaw School of Art graduate Abby Clark, have been installed at the cul-de-sac at the end of Huddleston Road, by its junction with Station Road, to allow easy access for blind and disabled residents.

Raised inscriptions on the handrails include quotations such as the words: “I felt the press of his hand, it was a sign of understanding,” from Werner Herzog’s film about a blind woman, The Land of Silence and Darkness.

Abby, 23, said she wanted to create something useful and entertaining for her many blind, disabled and elderly friends.

“The handrails are welded from steel scaffolding poles, installed on the wall on the side of stairs leading down to the road, and can be read by anyone who wants to study the words.”

Installation of the handrails is the idea of Junction ward Lib Dem councillor Arthur Graves. 

Cllr Graves said: “I first saw the handrails at an exhibition by Abby at the art school and thought they were a really good idea.

“They are not just ordinary handrails. These are specially designed by Abby with blind and disabled people in mind. They are fun to use.”

Local resident Gavin Stewart thought talking handrails was “an excellent idea”. 

He added: “A lot of elderly and disabled people struggle down the stairs and the rails will give them support and a few inspirational words.”

The Huddleston Road  street party kicks off at 4pm on Sunday.